Nathan woke to the rhythmic sound of rain falling outside the window. As he started to stir, he tried to move, and realized for the first time in his life, he was not alone in his bed. He slowly opened his eyes and saw the chestnut brown hair sprawled under his arm on his chest. She shifted slightly in her sleep, and he could see her face. He had always thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, but he decided this was definitely his favorite look. There in his arms laid his wife, peacefully sleeping, with hair tousled about. As if she could sense him watching her, she slowly opened her eyes.

She gave him a big sleepy grin, "Good morning my husband."

"Good morning my wife." He leaned down and kissed her good morning. "How bout I go make us some breakfast."

She mumbled something and hugged him tightly.

"What was that sweetheart?"

"I said coffee please, coffee sounds good."

He chuckled, kissed her again, and slowly moved himself from under her, and out of bed.

He moved through the quiet house, it was rare to have such a peaceful morning. Allie was usually up before him making breakfast with Scout running under foot. When they came over to Elizabeth's house for breakfast, the house was full of a six year old boy's energy. But here they were, their first morning as husband and wife, in their house, just the two of them. He took a moment and appreciated the peace and calm and ran through the memories of the day before in his mind. If he could only tell the Nathan of two or even three years ago, what his life would be right now, he never would have believed himself.

He prepared a small breakfast for two and had a pot of coffee warming on the stove, when he felt two arms encircle him from behind. He leaned back into her embrace.

"Breakfast and coffee are almost ready."

"You know the way to a woman's heart Nathan Grant."

"I don't know about that, but I'd like to think I know the way to your heart, Elizabeth Grant." He turned and faced her and pulled her in for a kiss.

"Mmm...say that again."

"What, that I know the way to your heart?"

"No, my name, I like the way it sounds when you say it."

"Elizabeth Grant. It does roll of the tongue, doesn't it?" He smiled down at her as she beamed up at him. "Why don't you go sit down, and I'll bring breakfast and coffee to you, Elizabeth Grant." He winked at her, as she went to sit down.

"What time are your parents coming over today?"

"I think they said they'd come over around noon, so they could see us off before we left and get settled back in the house with Jack."

Nathan's parents were planning to stay at their house in Allie's room while Nathan and Elizabeth were on their honeymoon. Jack would be staying with them while Allie remained at the Canfields.

Elizabeth couldn't help but feel some trepidation over leaving Jack for the first time since his illness. However with three grandmothers, two grandfathers, a big sister, two guardians, an aunt/godmother, and a godfather all nearby to watch over him, she had to admit it was the best situation she could leave him in for her first time away since he was diagnosed with Diabetes.

Nathan sat the mugs down next to their plates and took the seat next to her. He gently took her hands that were resting on the table. "Hey, he's going to be okay." He always knew what was going through her mind.

She pulled one of his hands up to her lips and kissed the back of it. "I know, and I really am looking forward to our time together. It's just..."

"Hard. I know sweetheart. To be honest, I'm worried too. But, with a town full of relatives and our Hope Valley family watching out for our son, I know he'll be okay."

Elizabeth lit up.

"What?" He asked her.

"You called Jack our son."

"Well, that's how I think of him. Is that okay?"

"Oh Nathan, of course. I know we haven't talked about adoption yet, but Nathan you have already been an amazing father figure to Jack. I know that's how he thinks of you, and I know he's looking forward to calling you dad."

Nathan sat in thought for a moment.

"What is it?"

"I would very much like to adopt Jack, and I've thought about asking Allie if she would like for you to adopt her as well, if you'd like that?"

"I'd love that, Nathan."

"Though..."

"Yes, Nathan."

"I never want Jack to forget where he came from. I was thinking maybe we could hyphenate his name, Thornton-Grant. That way he can be a Grant like us but keep Jack's name as well."

Elizabeth got up and walked over to Nathan and gave him a big kiss.

"Nathan, that is perfect." She said through tears.

He pulled her down into his lap and hugged her. She leaned back and ran her hand down his face. "You are the most thoughtful man I've ever known, Nathan Grant."

He kissed her once more. "We should probably eat this before it gets cold, so we can get ready before the house starts to fill back up."

The rest of the morning was filled with packing for their trip. Rosemary had already packed a small bag for Elizabeth and had made her promise not to open it until she got to the hotel in Union City. Elizabeth was both intrigued and worried as to what the contents of that bag might be.

True to their word, Nathan's parents arrived around noon, ready to move into Allie's room for the week. Soon after Charlotte and Tom arrived with Jack, and Allie and Scout followed a few minutes later.

The house was full of family and laughter. Jack was over the moon that Scout was now officially his dog.

Elizabeth and Nathan made their farewells to the family at their house and then stopped by Nathan's old house to say goodbye to her parents and Julie, before Lee and Rosemary drove them the rest of the way to the train station.

When they got to the station, Lee helped Nathan carry their bags to the train. Rosemary hugged both Nathan and Elizabeth before they boarded.

As they were boarding, Rosemary reminded Elizabeth that she shouldn't open the small bag from her until she was at the hotel. She added that it was a surprise and present for both Elizabeth and Nathan and gave them a big wink. Lee shrugged and laughed as they watched the newlyweds board the train.

The train ride was peaceful. Elizabeth was lulled to sleep leaning up against Nathan, as they watched the scenery go by. Before she knew it, they had reached Union City.

As they made their way to their hotel, Elizabeth couldn't help but think of their last trip here, well Danny and Diane's last trip here.

She looked down at her hand, now there were real wedding and engagement rings sparkling on her left hand. Always in tune with her thoughts, Nathan lifted her left hand to his lips for a kiss, and whispered, "Your husband still worships the ground you walk on."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, lost in her husband's gaze. All of this was new to her. She may have been married before, but she and Jack had never gotten the chance to have more than few days of marriage, and they had never gotten to have a real honeymoon. She never got to bask in the joy and love of being a newlywed like this. Looking up at Nathan, she felt completely loved and cherished.

The car pulled up to a big hotel. Nathan looked up and whistled, he had never stayed at a place this fancy before. The honeymoon had been a gift from Elizabeth's parents. Elizabeth almost declined, but her parents explained that with all they had been through with Jack's illness, they wanted to give them a much deserved getaway for their honeymoon.

As she looked up at the hotel, she was glad she had let her parents indulge them a bit. She was a little worried at Nathan's reaction, but he seemed to be enjoying himself as well.

The lobby was luxurious, but it didn't hold a candle to their room. The room had a sitting room, a formal dining room, a bathroom with indoor plumbing including a tub, and a huge four poster bed. Elizabeth was very much looking forward to their week here.

As soon as the bell hop deposited the bags in their room, Elizabeth took to unpacking. She had gotten everything put away and was now left with the bag from Rosemary.

Nathan came up behind her, "Well, shall we see what Rosemary packed for us?"

Elizabeth hesitantly opened the bag, inside were silk nightgowns, nightgowns fit for a married woman.

Nathan whispered in her ear, "Please be sure to thank Rosemary very much for me."

Yes, Elizabeth was very much looking forward to their week away here in Union City.